[Archived] James Madison Salon Talk on the War of 1812-Sept. 14

A Nation at War discussed at Presidential Salon, September 14

The date is September 14, 1814 and the nation is at war with England. Washington has been burned, Alexandria has surrendered, and Baltimore is in the midst of battle.  Join President James Madison on Sunday, September 14 as he discusses the unfolding events in the context of his own time, and be a witness to the events of this year of 1814 as the events unfold.

This public debate in the company of James Madison, as presented by John Douglas Hall, at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, is part of on-going series of presidential salons which began in 2010 and continues through 2014 in honor of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.  Public questions and opinions related to the salon topics are welcome and encouraged.

The salon, held in the Main Dining Room of Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, will be from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m; check-in is at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street. Reservations are recommended and tickets are $15 per person and $10 for high school/college students. Madeira, Port and other libations will be available for purchase at the event.  To purchase tickets, please visit http://shop.alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4242. Additional dates for the series include Sunday November 16. 

Since 1985, John Douglas Hall has been following the life of James Madison on a day-by-day basis. He offers a very unique opportunity for today’s audiences to engage James Madison in conversation in the context of Madison’s own time.  In appearance, in content, syntax, and with a remarkable command of the period and the man, John Douglas Hall has presented James Madison in numerous, academic, governmental, public and private forums for more than 25 years. 
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and the new Federal City of Washington.  The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org.